Upendra scores ton for Rlys, UT need 310 to win Ranji opener

Chandigarh bowlers, led by Nishunk Birla (4/79), tried their best to register a comeback for the hosts, but Railways’ Upendra Yadav (124) came up with a stunning ton to help the visitors gained a good grip, during the second day’s play of the Ranji Trophy at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 26.

On Friday, Railways batters were bundled out at 142 runs and their bowlers replied strongly by defending the total in style. Their bowlers had reduced the hosts 87/7 on the opening day, which saw the fall of 17 wickets. On Saturday, resuming from 87/7, the local lads added 22 runs before getting all-out at 109 in their first innings. In their second innings, Railways posted 307 to give Chandigarh an outright target of 341 runs to win, with nine wickets in hand.

Starting their day, overnight unbeaten Raj Angad Bawa and Sandeep Sharma tried their best to delay the fall of the Chandigarh innings. However, the duo added 20 runs for the 8th wicket, before Bawa (34 off 73 balls, with three boundaries and one six) was picked by Shivam Chaudhary at the team’s total of 100. Sandeep was then joined by Birla (2) and the duo played a small cameo to push the total to 109. Akash Pandey accounted both wickets to leave Chandigarh trail by 33 runs in their first innings.

Pandey remained the most successful bowler for the visitors as he accounted 5/38, while Chaudhary and Himanshu Sngwan took two wickets each. Karn Sharma picked one.

In the second innings, Railways batters played good. The side opened with Chaudhary and Vivek Singh. The duo successfully gave a good start to the side by scoring 74 runs. However, the proceedings was halted by Jagjit Singh Sandhu as he accounted Chaudhary at 37 off 54 balls, studded with four boundaries. Skipper Pratham Singh replaced Chaudhary but only to add five runs. He was caught by Bawa off Arslan Khan, as the visitors were reduced to 80/2.

Thereafter, Yadav came into the scene and helped Vivek to push the innings further. The duo played sensibly to raise a much needed 52-run partnership. Vivek completed his half century and was playing at 54 off 94 balls (with five boundaries and one six), when Birla took his wicket. Mohammed Saif (23 off 32 balls, with five boundaries) came to the crease and the duo managed to raise a 45-run partnership, before Sandeep started his spell and reduced the visitors to 177.

While Yadav was playing calmly at one end, Ashutosh Sharma was promoted up in order to support him. The partnership lasted for 24 runs, as -Ashutosh (24) fell prey to Sandhu at the team’s total of 201.

This wicket brought some cheer for the host, as half of Railways’ side was back to the pavilion. However, Karn and Yadav held up the fort and played a sensible cricket. The duo successfully sailed the Railways innings by raising the highest partnership for the side. They raised a 94-run partnership off 104 balls, before Karn was caught by substitute Aayush Sikka off Vishu. Karn scored 21 off 47 balls, with three boundaries, and stabled the innings. Yadav was the next to go, as he was bowled out by Birla at 124 off 123 balls, with 15 boundaries and three sixes. Birla then accounted two more wickets of Akash Pandey and Himanshu Sangwan, while Vish took Yuvraj (10), to end the Railways’ innings at 307. Besides Birla, Sandhu (2/42) and Vishu (2/69) performed fairly well for the bowling side. Sandeep and Khan also took one wicket each.

In their second innings, Chandigarh lost skipper on a duck, as Shivam Bhambri (24) and Khan (6) were playing unbeaten at 31/1 at the draw of the stumps.